About
An evergreen perennial to 3m tall, with oblong leaves to 1.2m long; drooping spikes of yellow flowers with purple bracts open sporadically through the year, followed by edible yellow fruit.
About the genus
Musa are suckering evergreen perennials with very large, paddle-shaped leaves whose stalk-bases form a false stem, and clusters of tubular flowers with colourful bracts, followed by cylindrical fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitSuckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationAs a summer bedding plant, grow in humus-rich soil in a sheltered position in full sun. In a container, use peat-free John Innes No 3 and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. At the end of the season, pot up to overwinter under cover or protect in situ with straw and chicken wire. Keep just moist in winter. See banana cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required under glass. Outside, remove old leaves at end of season
PropagationPropagate by seed as soon as ripe at 21-24°C (70-75°F). Pre-soak spring-sown seed for 24 hours . Separate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves. Divide established clumps every 5 years
Pest resistanceGlasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and aphids may be troublesome, especially under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free